Chapter 7
Erkina understood what he was trying to say.
However, these were words he had never spoken before her previous life.
Curious, she tilted her head to the side and looked at Jerthermion.
Though Erkina didn’t realize it herself, her expression was rather like an adorable little squirrel.
Jerthermion noticed this, clenched his fist to cover his mouth, and coughed awkwardly. The slight flush on his neck suggested his throat had tingled from the cough.
“I am telling you this because your potential, Erkina, is extraordinary. It reminds me of my own childhood.”
Indeed, the starting point had changed.
If she now began to cultivate her magic, by the time she reached adulthood, she might surpass Jerthermion himself. In that case, she would need to learn how to manage the side effects of magic.
“If you give up, I can regularly disperse your magical power for you.”
Pretending to think it over, Erkina lifted her small hand and placed it on top of Jerthermion’s.
Then, she gripped his hand tightly with all her strength.
“I want to become a magnificent magician, just like you! So please, Teacher, stay by my side forever!”
Erkina’s eyes shone with determination as she exclaimed this. Jerthermion again covered his mouth and coughed awkwardly.
“Very well. But in the meantime, find someone truly precious to you by the year you become an adult.”
“Why?”
“You will understand naturally by then. But choose someone who will genuinely treasure and care for you, Erkina.”
Erkina felt her throat tighten at his last words.
The advice from her Teacher sounded exactly like the words he would have spoken as her foster father.
Her emotions almost overwhelmed her, and she exaggeratedly bounced in her seat, opening her book.
“Hurry and explain! I was so excited yesterday that I stayed up all night reading the book you gave me!”
“Is that so?”
Jerthermion opened the book with a calm smile.
Even though the content might have been dull for someone who already knew it, Erkina’s eyes sparkled as she focused intently.
She answered every question correctly without missing a single one.
Meanwhile, the boy who was to join her for the lessons seemed bored and picked only the large candies from the table snacks, eventually leaning against Erkina’s shoulder and falling asleep.
Erkina couldn’t help but feel that time was passing far too quickly.
“Today’s lesson ends here.”
Already? How fast had the time flown?
“Already? That’s too soon.”
Erkina slumped her shoulders and showed genuine disappointment.
“You memorized yesterday’s book so well that this much is enough for today. Tomorrow, I will teach you elemental magic.”
“Yes, understood!”
Jerthermion’s lips curved slightly at her spirited answer.
He glanced at the sleeping boy, shook his head, and lifted him into his arms.
“I shall take my leave now.”
“Already? No, Teacher! Please stay for lunch!”
If this had been a lesson-only arrangement, Erkina would have gone to his workshop.
But there was a reason he was brought to her home.
“With Mother as well.”
Since the bond had finally been established, they would now meet more often, just as she had whispered to the Emperor before.
-I wish that magician were my father.-
Erkina’s eyes shone with anticipation.
Jerthermion gazed at her steadily, then shook his head.
“That’s not a very good idea.”
“Why? Our cook at home makes steaks perfectly! Mother says she’s even better than the Imperial Palace chef!”
Erkina grabbed the end of Jerthermion’s sleeve, pretending she might cry instantly if he refused, eyes wide and pleading.
Tears pooled in her cold eyes, prompting Jerthermion to lean closer and respond.
“The Princess and I are like water and fire. If we are together, we will only harm each other.”
As Jerthermion’s hand gently wiped away her tears, Erkina bit her lip.
Why did they always dislike each other so? Later, she would regret the times they spent arguing.
“But fire can warm water. Fire’s mischief can be blocked by water. In the end, they are actually friends helping each other.”
Erkina’s reply may have caught him off guard.
She didn’t notice, but Jerthermion’s eyes curved briefly in a rare, subtle smile.
Yet, in his usual blunt tone, he asked her:
“Princess, do you wish the Princess Royal to go hungry because of me?”
“Eh? What do you mean…”
Erkina tilted her head slightly.
“If I stay with her, she will eat nothing at all.”
“That cannot be.”
Though he said so, even Erkina wasn’t entirely convinced.
Mernelia, who always greeted Jerthermion before and after lessons, hadn’t come out of her room today.
“I know you cherish your mother more than anyone. That said, I shall take my leave now.”
“But…”
Erkina had no argument, and her hand loosened.
She watched Jerthermion’s retreating figure with sorrowful eyes.
At that moment, the boy in Jerthermion’s arms rubbed his eyes and woke from sleep.
When Erkina met his gray eyes, her mind flashed sharply.
“Wait a moment, Teacher!”
“Speak.”
“This friend… I’ll at least feed him lunch before you go.”
Jerthermion’s eyebrows rose slightly.
Erkina’s own brows danced like an excited puppy’s.
“If he lives with you, he won’t get proper meals!”
“You won’t starve. Though the food costs will triple, I have the means to support him. I have also received much from His Majesty as your teacher.”
“Then why are you like a wet paper doll?”
Erkina placed her hands on her hips, scolding.
“A magician must remain light, so they eat moderately.”
“Liar. You’re just picky, aren’t you?”
He had countless ingredients he refused to eat, even his favorites.
If he ate too much at once, he might skip meals the next day.
Jerthermion fell silent at her accusation, and Erkina, brimming with confidence, added:
“He’s a growing child! He must eat plenty!”
The boy nodded enthusiastically, as if he were praising his commander.
Jerthermion looked at the boy with mild annoyance.
“….”
“So come fetch him for dinner later! That’s fine, right?”
“…Understood.”
After a brief pause, Jerthermion gave his permission.
He set the boy down from his arms, giving a serious warning:
“Eat properly. Do not trouble the Princess.”
The sharpness in his voice carried a sense of caution.
“I shall take my leave now.”
Jerthermion bowed to Erkina.
Quickly, she reached out her hand.
“I’ll escort you. Walking is good for health, says Halbamama!”
“I am healthy, but since it is your honor to escort me, I shall walk with you.”
“Ehehehe.”
Erkina’s bright smile prompted a faint smile on Jerthermion’s lips.
Watching the corners of his mouth rise between his beard, she felt a twinge of regret.
If only she could wipe it clean, he would appear even more handsome and refined.
As they naturally linked arms and stepped out the door, Erkina felt a sudden weight on her other arm.
“Huh?”
The boy had already grabbed her opposite arm, walking alongside her like a dog following its owner.
“You could have waited inside.”
But the boy shook his head.
Casually, he held her hand. Erkina, without objection, took his hand as one would for a younger sibling.
Watching them silently, Jerthermion’s eyes flickered briefly.
“Princess, in that case, you shall give this boy his name yourself.”
