MTIC57

Episode 57

At that moment, Troy was fully realizing the power of the barrier that Jade had installed before leaving.

Just as Jade had described, the barrier effectively blocked the monsters’ invasion. Once the mages regained their composure, the soldiers inside the barrier began to attack the monsters.

Even when monsters appeared in large numbers or charged in suddenly, the spells embedded in the barrier incinerated them instantly.

Thanks to that, the army suffered virtually no casualties. As long as they utilized ranged weapons properly, most of the monsters were wiped out with ease.

In fact, defeating the monsters had become too easy.

“Amazing… the Tower Master is truly something,”

Troy murmured with a smile as he looked out over the battlefield. In truth, Jade’s barrier alone had dealt with more than half of the invading monsters.

Because of it, the soldiers only had to hunt down the stragglers from behind like they were on a mere expedition. As Troy observed the situation—

Fwoosh—!

A flash of pure white light appeared right in front of his eyes. It was clearly magical in nature. As Troy tilted his head slightly in confusion, a single sheet of paper fluttered down.

He caught it instinctively. It was a letter. Just from the first line, he knew who had sent it.

“Lady Miel.”

A smile tugged at Troy’s lips. Having read her letters over and over again before, he could recognize her handwriting instantly.

He read the letter again and again, even though he had memorized its contents. It was difficult to take his eyes off the note, written just for him.

So, she’s heading out to search for the next relic in two days.

Troy folded the letter carefully and tucked it inside his coat.

If the situation remains stable tomorrow, I should go with them.

The letter had told him not to worry about the relic and said he didn’t need to come. But how could he not worry?

Especially when the one going wasn’t just anyone—but the woman he loved.

It’s not that I’m jealous of her spending time alone with the Tower Master.

Of course, there was a little possessiveness. But more than that, he was afraid. Afraid that she might face danger and he wouldn’t be there to protect her.

Even if, one day, she chose someone else instead of him…

That’s the way I love her.

Yes, this was love.

Troy reaffirmed that truth to himself.

—

The next day, Miel—now fully used to preparing for travel—finished her packing in the morning with ease.

Since their departure wasn’t until the following day, she planned to enjoy her free time today.

There’s a night market in the Hameron district of the Imperial capital today. I should drop by for a bit.

That was her plan. And Koseliko, noticing the unusually cheerful look on Miel’s face, fluttered over.

“Miel, why do you look so happy? What is it? Tell me too!”

He flapped his tiny wings and landed on her shoulder.

“Hehe, there’s a night market opening in the capital tonight. I’m planning to stop by.”

“Night market? You better not stay out too late. We’re leaving at dawn tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll only be out for an hour or two, tops.”

As Miel tried to explain lightly, Koseliko pecked her shoulder with his beak in protest.

“There’s going to be lots of tasty food, right?”

“Well, I’m not sure how much will suit your taste, but… aren’t familiars not supposed to need food anyway?”

Miel raised her hands in surrender. The two of them waited eagerly for the sun to set.

“Well, technically yes… My life source is magic from Rimad, but I do have a sense of taste!”

Koseliko argued back, making Miel chuckle at the adorable little bird.

“So, you want to come with me too?”

“Of course I do! Take me with you, got it?”

“Alright, alright. Got it.”

—

When sunset arrived, Miel quietly stepped out of her room.

“Hide well, okay?”

As she whispered, Koseliko immediately activated a stealth spell. Miel smiled softly and began walking down the tower hallway.

At that moment, a familiar figure was walking toward her—Jade, reading some documents.

“Miel, where are you headed at this hour?”

He asked, not taking his eyes off the papers.

“Ah, just going out for a bit.”

“We’re leaving tomorrow, though.”

Jade raised a brow. Miel smiled sheepishly.

“I won’t be long. I’ll be back soon.”

“Where are you going?”

“There’s a night market happening in Hameron today.”

“Hm… a night market?”

Jade suddenly recalled their previous visit to the countryside together—the time Miel had enthusiastically joined the apple-eating contest. A smile crept onto his lips.

“Then I’ll go with you.”

His unexpected response made Miel widen her eyes. Wasn’t her master just reading documents?

“You don’t have to, Master.”

“Why so surprised?”

“I just thought you were busy. You were even reading while walking.”

“This much I can hand off to Slaine. Let’s go.”

Jade placed a hand on Miel’s shoulder. The documents in his hand disappeared in an instant.

As he said, they were sent directly to Slaine’s office.

Though Miel felt a bit awkward, she left the magic tower with Jade. They got into the carriage she had prepared earlier.

At that moment, Koseliko revealed himself.

“You inconsiderate Tower Master! Were you dying to tag along with me and Miel on our fun night out?”

“Are you coming too?” Jade chuckled, lightly tapping Koseliko’s head.

“Hey! Watch where you’re touching!”

Koseliko flailed, but Miel gently picked him up and cradled him.

“Calm down, Coco.”

“Hmph. I’m only going because I can’t let my precious little lady wander off and get into danger.”

Jade muttered gruffly. Of course, he wasn’t lying—but there was another reason as well.

I was hoping we’d go just the two of us…

In truth, he didn’t care much about the night market. He was simply curious—what kind of expression would Miel wear at a lively place like that?

The carriage set off.

“Hehe, a night market! How exciting!”

Koseliko was already in a good mood and chirping joyfully from Miel’s arms.

“You’re that happy, Coco?”

Miel stroked his head affectionately.

“Of course! Places like that are full of delicious things. Taste is a marvelous sense, you know! Even if I don’t need nutrients from food, I can still enjoy the flavor.”

What could such a tiny thing possibly eat anyway…

Jade commented dryly. Normally, Koseliko would’ve snapped back, but tonight, he was too cheerful to bother.

“Hehe, I eat more than I look like I can. Miel, you brought plenty of money, right?”

Koseliko looked at her seriously. Miel responded just as seriously.

“Of course, Coco. I take food seriously too. And since you don’t eat much, I’ll share what I get with you.”

“Hehe, as expected of the Great Sage’s heir.”

Listening to their odd exchange, Jade couldn’t help but laugh quietly.

For some reason… this feels peaceful.

It was a feeling he had never experienced before his regression. Back then, it had felt like he was constantly running from something.

His mind had been clouded, like wading through thick fog—controlled by someone else’s will.

But ever since he regressed, that feeling had never returned. Every choice he made was his own. Every emotion he felt was entirely his.

And things are happening now that never did before.