Episode 56
A little while later, the golden energy flowing from Jade’s hand gradually began to fade.
The large barrier surrounding the northern wall flashed once and then turned transparent.
Hoo…
Jade lightly swept his hair back. A faint sheen of sweat had formed on his forehead.
“It’s done, Your Highness.”
Jade lowered his hand and spoke to Troy. Troy stepped forward with a quiet look of admiration.
As expected of the tower master—his skills are truly extraordinary.
“Well, naturally,” Jade replied with a smirk. But soon, his expression turned serious.
“By now, the mages I sent should have arrived at the other borders as well. Each one is highly skilled, and I assigned four to each region, so strong barriers should be established across the front.”
“I see. Thank you.”
“No problem. For now, I’ve focused the enchantments on defense. But I’ve also embedded offensive magic. Basically, monsters won’t be able to break through the barrier.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes. However, humans can still pass through. That means the soldiers can remain inside the barrier and eliminate monsters from within.”
Miel, who was listening beside them, widened her eyes slightly at his explanation.
Jade continued.
“If monsters make contact with the barrier, a flame spell will automatically activate. That’s why they can’t get through.”
“That’s impressive,” Troy murmured, his eyes lighting up briefly. Jade simply shrugged.
“And this barrier will last for at least a full day—likely longer. The other regions should have similar setups, so you can rest a little easier.”
This time, Jade lightly tapped the Crown Prince’s shoulder and lowered his hand. Normally, if someone other than the Grand Mage had done that, it would’ve been deemed highly disrespectful.
But Jade was the Grand Mage—practically a hero protecting the empire’s army.
So Troy simply smiled.
“Yes. Truly, thank you, Tower Master.”
“Well, now that we’re done here, Miel and I will return.”
Jade walked over to Miel as he spoke. Truthfully, Troy had wanted to talk to her alone.
But in this situation, how could he possibly hold her back?
“Understood. I’ll see you to the carriage.”
“Sure.”
The three of them descended the wall together. As they walked, Miel found herself replaying the memory of Jade’s magic in her mind.
It looked easy on the surface… but I know it wasn’t.
It only seemed simple because it was performed by someone like Jade, a Grand Mage.
Before long, they reached the carriage again.
“Take care on your way back, Tower Master. And Lady Miel, please travel safely.”
Troy nodded lightly toward Jade, but offered Miel a warm smile.
“Ah, yes. Thank you, Your Highness.”
Miel returned his farewell and boarded the carriage with Jade. Things had wrapped up much faster than she’d expected at the northern border.
When Jade infused mana into the carriage, it began moving on its own.
As the northern wall gradually disappeared from view, Koseliko emerged again, quietly settling onto Miel’s hand.
“Miel.”
Jade, who had been resting with his eyes closed, now opened them. His dark crimson eyes met hers.
“Earlier, when I was forming the barrier—how many spells do you think I combined?”
Miel paused to think before answering.
“Five, maybe?”
“Then tell me which five spells you think I used.”
Jade’s lips curled up slightly, amused. Miel began answering slowly.
“First, the spell to maintain the structure, then the official barrier spell, the monster detection spell, mana flow stabilization spell, and… the defense spell.”
As she continued, Miel’s voice gradually lost confidence. Jade let out a small chuckle.
“Was I wrong?”
She looked a little deflated.
“Well, yes, that’s incorrect. But still, not bad. With that level of understanding, you could probably recreate something similar. Of course, mine was more refined.”
As Jade was about to add more, Koseliko interjected.
“Technically, the spell used eight types of magic, Miel. In addition to the five you listed, there was a spell to distinguish humans, an expansion spell, and a magic amplifier to enhance the barrier’s foundation.”
At Koseliko’s explanation, Jade smirked.
“As expected of a Great Sage’s familiar.”
“Hmph. I don’t need your compliments,” Koseliko said, flicking her beak and turning away. Miel gently stroked the small bird’s head.
“Well, familiars are born from pure magic, so naturally, their ability to detect spells is equal to that of most high-level mages.”
Jade said this while looking fondly at Miel.
“And you, Miel, have real talent. If you continue training, you’ll become incredibly powerful—regardless of what kind of power you currently possess.”
Miel’s face brightened at his words.
“Of course, we’ve had to pause your magic training for now because of everything going on. But once things settle down, I’ll teach you a lot more spells.”
Jade added sincerely. Miel slowly nodded with a gentle smile.
“Yes, Master.”
Her smile stirred something within Jade’s heart. Feeling a faint warmth rise to his cheeks, he quickly turned his head away.
“And Miel, let’s set out soon to find the next Relic.”
“Oh? Already?”
“Yes. The Crown Prince likely won’t be able to join us this time, so I think it would be best if we search for it ourselves. It’ll help us save time.”
Miel gave a slow nod.
“Yes, I agree. We can depart after a few days. According to what Coco told me, it’s located in the Eastern Continent…”
“The Eastern Continent?”
Jade’s eyes widened slightly—understandably so. The Eastern Continent was one of the farthest regions of all.
“Hmph. It may be far, but that just means the Relic there is even more valuable,” Koseliko chimed in.
“What kind of Relic could it be?” Jade asked.
But Koseliko didn’t answer.
“Well, you’ll see it for yourself.”
What could it be? Miel wondered silently as the carriage raced toward the tower.
—
When they arrived, Jade immediately stripped off his robe and said,
“Miel, take the rest of the day off.”
His broad back was visible under his shirt.
“Yes, Master.”
Miel gave a quiet reply and headed toward her room with Koseliko.
Still, we’ll be heading out to search for the Derik soon…
She sat down at her desk. No matter how busy Troy was, she felt she should at least give him a heads-up.
Miel picked up a quill and began writing a short letter.
The contents were simple: She would be leaving soon to search for the next Derik with Jade, and that the Crown Prince didn’t need to join them since he was busy.
“Hmph. That Tower Master wouldn’t even bother sending a letter. But well, your kindness isn’t a bad thing,” Koseliko muttered, watching from the desk.
It was partly to prevent Troy from visiting the tower and finding it empty.
“You’re too unnecessarily considerate, Miel.”
Koseliko looked over her letter and commented. Miel gave a soft laugh.
“It’s not unnecessary. It’s just basic courtesy.”
Koseliko gently patted her hand with a small wing.
“Still, live a bit more selfishly, Miel. Think of your father.”
Miel gently stroked the small bird.
“I think I am selfish enough.”
At her words, Koseliko chuckled.
“Well, maybe that’s just how I see it. So, are you done with the letter?”
“Yeah. All done.”
“Alright, then I’ll send it to the Crown Prince.”
Just then, a white light glowed from Koseliko’s body. It seeped into the letter, and in the blink of an eye—it vanished.
“Amazing, Coco.”
“Hmph! This much is easy for me!”
Koseliko puffed up proudly.
