CHAPTER 72…………………………..
Children ran around excitedly, sending droplets of water bouncing off their palms.
“[Be careful not to fall, everyone.]”
The square, which had been noisy for a while, quieted down as the light of the magic circle faded.
“[Is it over now? The bubbles aren’t coming out!]”
“[Yes, that’s right. We used up all the mana we filled into the magic circle.]”
“[Mana? Is it the same as what’s used in spells?]”
“[Exactly. Spell circles draw mana from nature, but magic circles require refined mana directly from your own body.]”
Sierra tried to explain it in the simplest terms, but it was still a difficult concept for the young children.
Most of them were disappointed that the magical power had ended, while a few stared intently at the magic circle on their palms, observing.
Seeing those curious eyes, a thought suddenly struck Sierra.
‘Wouldn’t it be nice to teach the people of the Sanctuary magic circles they could actually use?’
Something simple, like restoring a little stamina or helping someone not get lost.
And if someone had a natural talent for magic, she could teach them spells when there was time.
“[Hmm… that sounds hard.]”
“[Shoo! Can’t you make one that spits fire too? If a bad person comes, I’ll make them pay! I’ll protect you, Sierra!]”
Her heart, excited by the fleeting thought, immediately grew cold.
“[…The adults will protect you, so there’s no need to worry about that.]”
She wanted the children to only know a peaceful world.
But what if a real war broke out?
Her homeland had instigated terrible acts, oppressing and forcing other countries.
She had run away, disappointed, hoping to help the weak.
Would it really be right to use magic circles to protect the Sanctuary?
And if it caused even more intense hatred and killing between people, who would be right or wrong?
Sierra fell into an inescapable sense of doubt.
After the long joint training ended, the village finally became quiet.
New training would continue as plans were communicated from other regions, but for now, it was rest.
“Ashur! Got some free time now?”
Sierra’s face had grown brighter after participating diligently in physical training following just a day of running away.
‘Glad I made a training plan tailored just for Sierra.’
Ashur felt satisfied that his plan had gone smoothly.
Meeting alone after a long time, Sierra was visibly excited, her cheeks flushed.
“Lately, I haven’t been able to do anything because of muscle soreness, so while resting, I’ve been thinking about all kinds of things.”
Hmm, probably just some fun magic ideas.
“I think it’d be great to test it at the lake we went to before! Want to go for a walk together?”
“Sure.”
Sierra naturally took his offered hand, and they walked, gently swinging their arms.
A cool breeze occasionally blew as they left the village entrance and entered the forest path.
The rustling fallen leaves underfoot made the change of seasons palpable.
Walking hand in hand, enjoying the autumn, they drew closer to their destination.
Through the colorful leaves, they saw the lake, its blue blending with the sky.
The moment she saw it, she ran forward, looking back at Ashur with an excited expression.
“Wait just a moment.”
In one hand, she held familiar materials for a spell circle.
Sierra began drawing a magic circle on her palm with red dye.
“Finally, like this…”
Then, as usual, she slowly breathed mana into it.
Soon, a warm breeze rippled through the area.
The rushing wind swept leaves high into the air.
Ashur stood still.
Amid the swirling colorful light, Sierra closed her eyes, breathing slowly.
She looked just as mystical as she had when she had once painfully gripped his heart.
As the wind settled, vitality flowed from her sprout-like eyes.
“Remember when we used this magic when we fell into the lake? It’s the same magic, but now it’s even more powerful!”
“Impressive.”
Ashur’s interest was piqued by her excited explanation.
For a long while, they discussed combinations of new magic and spells.
After experimenting until her mana was nearly depleted, Sierra sat on a rock by the lakeshore.
“Phew, discovering something new after a long time was so fun, I didn’t even notice the time passing.”
“Yeah. Let’s rest for a bit before heading back. If we stay longer, it’ll get cold.”
Among the cooling air, the sound of insects grew louder.
“Wait. Can’t we stay just a little longer? I want to dip my feet in the water.”
Sierra reluctantly clung to his strong arm.
“…Just a little.”
Worried she might catch a cold, he hoped that her own body heat would keep her safe.
She smiled, removing her shoes.
“Ah, summer just ended, and it’s already so cold.”
Even just dipping her toes in the water made her shiver all over.
But soon she got used to it, splashing and playing in the water.
Ashur sat beside her, wrapping her in his shoulder.
Leaning into his warm embrace, Sierra let out a small sigh.
“Ahhh, this feels so good.”
“What does?”
“Just… the wind is cool, and you’re warm.”
They paused, quietly meeting each other’s eyes.
“And… being together.”
Sierra’s eyes sparkled with a kaleidoscope of emotions.
As their lips drew close, Ashur spoke sincerely.
“I feel the same. I love it too.”
Immediately, soft warmth met.
Hearts racing, countless thoughts rose and scattered.
How could having this person by her side make her this overwhelmingly happy?
She could vividly picture them laughing joyfully together even when their hair had turned white.
So, she wanted to be together forever.
“Sierra…”
“Hnn.”
They embraced each other fully.
Breath grew hot, hearts pounded faster.
“Ahh.”
As heat rose uncontrollably—
“Haa…”
At that exact moment, Ashur pulled away.
His rough breathing reached her ears.
It had been happening recently.
Just when her burning desire became too much to contain, he forcibly withdrew.
‘It must be because… I was asleep then.’
Since that day, Ashur had trained his body diligently.
Did he think he couldn’t handle her?
Sierra’s gaze inadvertently fell near his thigh.
‘Hmm… maybe it’s a worry…’
They say the biggest obstacle in a union between man and woman is size.
Sierra shook her head, recalling the mistaken notion she’d once heard.
Sierra continued researching new magic.
Kadiya, having free time, joined her in experiments, making their leisure productive.
Then Sierra suddenly remembered something she had been curious about.
“[Kadiya. You said the Sanctuary has the ‘Eternal Oath,’ right? How does it work?]”
“[Huh? You split a precious item in half, make the oath, and then tell people about it.]”
“[I see. In a way, it’s like a private wedding. So from that moment, you become a married couple?]”
But Sierra had entered the Sanctuary empty-handed.
Of course, the items gradually accumulating in the hut held cherished memories, but not enough to make an Eternal Oath.
“[What? Do you want to become Ashur’s spouse?]”
“[Huh? No, not yet.]”
“[If that ever happens, you have to tell me first! We’ll throw a celebration!]”
“[Just because I want it doesn’t mean Ashur would accept…]”
Seeing her embarrassed face, Kadiya muttered, clearly bewildered.
“[That guy’s already probably thought about kids and even grandkids. He’s completely crazy about you. Don’t you get it?]”
“[Uhmm…]”
Sierra couldn’t think of a fitting reply to Kadiya’s blunt words.
‘Crazy… for each other, maybe?’
Every time it seemed impossible to resist.
Her face inevitably turned red.
