Godolphen von Vanquish had spared no expense on his estate, outfitting it with anything and everything to turn it into the finest relaxation destination in all of Yugria. Despite the range of incredible facilities on offer, however, the quiet servant’s bath was the one he liked most of all. Unlike the other baths, all of which relied upon water piped in from the larger source spring nearby, the small tub drew water directly from a separate spring below. The slightly amber water still flowed powerfully even now, centuries after the original tub—now designated for servant use—had been installed. Though the temperature did fluctuate from time to time, it was generally quite high, just as Godolphen preferred. He also relished in the way the hue and feel of the water changed from day to day, almost as though it was alive.
After soaking in the water for a while, he’d climb about fifteen meters up the overgrown mountainside to a rugged, protruding boulder, where he’d sit cross-legged to meditate while he cooled down before heading back to the tub to start the whole process all over again. Repeating this cycle three times had, at some point, become a comforting routine for the Sage.
Though many still thought of Godolphen as suspiciously spry for a man of his years, in truth, a lifetime of relentless busyness and horrific experiences on the field of battle had taken a toll on both the Sage’s body and his mind—one that only the unique pleasure of a soak in the hot springs did anything to alleviate. Even this morning, after spending nearly a week running around the mountains and the entirety of the previous night deliberating scores with the other teachers, he’d first headed not to his room for a much-needed nap but to the servant’s bath. The silky water, hot yet gentle on the skin, soon began to ease the strain that clung to the old man’s body like a heavy cloak.
I still cannot quite believe it... Godolphen thought, splashing his face with the stimulatingly scalding water. Out of everything he felt about the events of the past week, the most prominent of all was still sheer astonishment, even now that he’d had some time to reflect. To think they’d exceed my expectations to this extent...
Truth be told, all of the scenarios he’d set for Class A this year had been beyond their capabilities, difficult enough that success wouldn’t be guaranteed even with luck on their side every step of the way. He’d wanted to see their ingenuity, of course, but what he’d wanted more was to give them the opportunity to fail and to learn from it. While things hadn’t worked out in quite the way he’d intended, Godolphen had no regrets about the initial (and arguably outrageous) difficulty of his challenges. His students might not have failed, but they’d still surpassed their limits to overcome one adversity over another. They hadn’t allowed themselves to settle for merely surpassing those limits either, but had pushed onward, again and again, setting and conquering new challenges when they’d found Godolphen’s initial ones lacking.
Godolphen’s head started to spin; he’d been sitting in the bath for longer than he’d realized. Standing up carefully, he walked across the veranda and onto the mountainside, his bare feet sinking into the loamy soil as he made the short trek up to his usual boulder. Moments later, he was sitting down once more, closing his eyes as he sunk into a meditative state.
Their incredible determination... He was the source of it. What a strange, mystifying boy... It’s as though he’s always running at full speed in the most irrational direction—and yet somehow, that sheer senselessness itself is what draws others to him. I can almost feel the future of Yugria changing forever with every step he takes...
A distant memory flashed across Godolphen’s mind, the smiling face of a long-departed friend—Bardi von Dosuperior, Allen’s grandfather. Though the two weren’t particularly alike, Bardi, too, had possessed an irresistible charisma and the strength to overcome adversities that would have driven most others to despair.
“If only you were here, Bardi... How would you choose to guide him, I wonder...?”
No one would describe Godolphen von Vanquish as an emotional man, but even his indomitable heart bore one or two wounds that had never quite healed. He sniffed as the vision of Bardi floated to the surface of his mind once more—but jolted as the faint peals of a young girl’s laughter yanked him back to reality. Another voice, as young and feminine as the first, joined it soon after. For some reason, it seemed to be coming from the direction of the servant’s bath.
What... What in the world? I was sure I flipped over the sign...
Before he could call out to warn them of his presence, he heard the door to the bathing area open with a clatter and reflexively threw himself off the boulder and out of sight.
Oh, why did I go and do that? Godolphen, you old fool! he thought, cursing himself. And those voices—they belong to Feyreun von Dragoon and Jewelry Reverence! Of all the students it could have been, it had to be two from my class... This isn’t good— No, I must remain calm. If I merely remain hidden here, I’ll escape their notice. Yes, I’ll remain hidden and keep my eyes closed until they leave, and all will be well—
“Well, would you look at that? Someone’s been here recently.”
Heavens above...
Godolphen shivered unconsciously as Feyreun spoke again, her previously lighthearted tone now dangerously low. The distinctive clunk of sandals on wood followed a few seconds later, sending another shudder down his spine. The Sage fell silent—more silent than he’d ever been, even during covert operations during the war. Not even a whisper of a breath escaped his trembling lips. And then, he prayed, pleading to somehow become one with the rugged rock he currently clung to like moss.
Unfortunately, his prayers fell on deaf ears.
“Footprints... They’re still fresh too.”
Oh, good grief! What wretched luck... If they see me like this, my reputation will be tarnished forevermore! How could I ever show my face before them again, let alone attempt to guide them?!
“Don’t worry, we’re not mad at you for trying to hide! Why don’t you come back and join us? I could give you a massage, if you’d like?”
“Of course, it might be a bit cramped with the three of us, but I’m sure we’ll make do...”
What nonsense! Is this what children are like these days?! What happened to good old-fashioned modesty?!
At that moment a strong gust of wind blew down the mountain, eliciting squeals from the two girls.
“Oh, what a perverted breeze!”
“It’s caressing me all over! Feeling quite bold today, huh?”
Nonsense! Utterly indecent nonsense! Perverted?! Caressing?! It’s a damned gust of wind, you wanton whippersnappers! Oh, blast it all! Now every time I sit here and feel the breeze, that poppycock will come to mind... I’ll never be able to meditate here again— No, there are more pressing matters to worry about right now! They’ll be here any moment! Oh, what should I do...?
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Godolphen did the only thing he could and activated his signature earth magic.