* * *

“I’ll say it again: those priests won’t attack you. It might not be the most comfortable situation, but there’s no need to worry,” Lucion reassured the warlocks, including Delos.

[Who’s really worried about whom here?] Russell quipped casually.

After all, Lucion had obtained three black orbs but had yet to begin the pilgrimage. Just yesterday, he’d been feverish, groaning in pain. His condition swung wildly between improvement and relapse, leaving little room to delay any further.

–We’re starting the pilgrimage now, right? Ratta’s sure of this, yes?

Ratta poked her head out from the edge of the shadow, tilting it as she looked up at Lucion.

[That’s right. Would Lord Lucion really lie about this?]

Feeling the subtle pressure from Bethel’s presence, even Hume, who had been staring blankly at Lucion, suddenly became more alert.

Since meeting Ketlan, there had been a lot of trivial matters to handle, and Lucion had to take action. Though unavoidable, part of him wished Lucion could’ve begun the pilgrimage first.

Encouraged by his warlock comrades’ playful nudging, Delos spoke more brightly. “The Emperor granting us protection is already an incredible gift. I don’t even know how to repay such kindness. Honestly, it’s hard to know how to react when you keep looking after us like this.”

“You’re all members of the same organization as I am. There’s no need to talk about favors.”

The mask Lucion wore turned a shade of blue.

“Just make sure no one gets hurt and that everyone comes back safely.”

“And I’ll be going with you,” Reint said, stepping forward with a smirk as he pointed at himself.

Since naming the warlock, Reint had become fast friends with them. His appearance now brought visible joy to their faces.

“I’m here too, Reint,” Peter said, approaching with a chuckle.

“Are we ready to leave now?” Lucion asked.

Peter nodded. “Yes, the time has come.”

He then addressed the warlocks. “Mr. Kran has emphasized that the priests will keep a significant distance, so there’s no need to worry. And if anything happens, Quate has full authority to deal with any priest who breaks the agreement.”

This authority–to execute defiant priests–was a direct order from Ketlan. The Emperor had officially recognized the warlock organization, Ale, as the Empire’s first allied group. He had declared that any priest who rebelled against the arrangement or recklessly used holy light could be dealt with, even through lethal force.

“I’m sorry I can’t join you on the ship,” Lucion said apologetically, noticing the growing unease among the warlocks as their departure approached.

If he went to the Sea of Death, there was a chance the corruption would cling to him again, putting everyone in danger. Though he wanted to go with them, he simply couldn’t.

“However, if anything happens, I’ll come immediately.”

He left room for the possibility.

“Thank you, Mr. Hamel. Just knowing that is reassuring.”

Delos’s gaze toward Lucion was filled with respect, just as it had been when they first met.

“We’re truly fine, Mr. Hamel,” Delos added, sensing the regret hidden behind Lucion’s mask. As his comrades nudged him again, Delos voiced what he had been meaning to say.

“In fact, we feel incredibly honored to be the first to step forward in breaking the stigma of being ‘blessed by darkness.’ Honestly, we’re even cautious about whether we deserve this position.”

Delos spoke for the group, and Lucion recognized their sincerity. However, one concern weighed heavily on his mind.

‘Veronia.’

What if Veronia appeared during the purification of the Sea of Death? What would he do then?

[Don’t worry, Lucion,] Russell said, reading his anxiety. He, too, had been debating whether to accompany them due to the threat Veronia posed.

When Lucion turned to look at him, Russell’s tone grew more resolute. [He will only respond to you.]

–Oh! Ratta was a little–just a tiny bit–scared too.

Ratta exhaled softly.

[Think carefully. The priests have already used their light to try and purify the Sea of Death, yet Veronia didn’t appear. Not to mention when Twilo’s subordinate brought part of the Sea of Death into the mansion basement to create undying soldiers–that was a major disturbance, yet he still didn’t appear. Isn’t that proof enough?]

‘You’re right. Thank you, Teacher.’

Russell’s reminder of past events gradually eased Lucion’s unease.

“Excuse me,” Miella approached, holding something in her hands, heading toward the temporary wall set up for the operation.

“Please take these,” she said, handing bracelets to the warlocks. Dark shadows hung under her eyes, and she looked utterly exhausted. Her unfocused gaze revealed just how little sleep she had gotten.

“These bracelets repel light. If the amount of light becomes too overwhelming, the bracelet will explode. If that happens, remove and discard it immediately. If it doesn’t explode, please return it to me. It’s dangerous to leave it exposed.”

[Looks like it’s inspired by the Sunbeam, doesn’t it?] Russell said, stroking his chin as he examined the bracelet.

The Sunbeam absorbed light, and if it was Miella’s design, it made sense for it to have the opposite function.

Miella then turned to Lucion. “Mr. Hamel, if the discussions are over, may I have a brief word with you?”

“Yes, of course,” Lucion replied, nodding before glancing at the warlocks. They all smiled brightly and waved.

* * *

Miella led Lucion to a quiet sandy beach she had scouted beforehand.

“Mr. Hamel,” she began.

“Please, go ahead.”

“I heard you had a hard time in the Magic Tower because of the light.”

She handed Lucion a bracelet, identical to the ones given to the warlocks.

“I’m fine now,” Lucion said, trying to dismiss her concern.

“No, you’re not. You’re still suffering from the effects of the light.”

Hume immediately refuted Lucion’s statement.

As though she had anticipated this, Miella turned her gaze toward Lucion.

“I heard from Mr. Kran that you might be leaving the Empire soon for the Neubra Kingdom.”

“Possibly even Nevast,” Lucion added.

Miella’s expression darkened with concern.

“I… won’t be able to follow you there. That’s why I made this–to help you, Mr. Hamel. This bracelet has a much stronger ability to repel light and a higher capacity. It should offer you some reassurance.”

Miella forced a smile as she handed Lucion the bracelet.

“Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

“To be honest, I hope you won’t have to use it. By the way, have you used the Sunbeam?”

Lucion hesitated, but Hume stepped in to answer.

“We had to use it once during the Magic Tower incident.”

“Don’t overwork yourself,” Miella cautioned.

“I won’t,” Lucion replied firmly.

Though he had only been bedridden briefly, his limbs were perfectly functional, a fact he wanted to emphasize.

“It must be tough for you, staying by his side all the time,” Miella said sympathetically to Hume.

“The young master has it far harder than I do.”

Russell chuckled at the seemingly disconnected conversation.

[Hume, she’s saying it’s tough because of Lord Lucion.]

While Russell was laughing heartily, Bethel stepped in to clarify.

“I’ve never suffered because of the young master. On the contrary, I’ve received so much kindness that I don’t know how to repay it.”

“Pfft.”

At Hume’s serious tone, Lucion turned his head and let out a small laugh. He appreciated the sentiment, though it felt out of place.

“Anyway, I’ll use the bracelet well, though I hope there won’t be any need for it.”

“I truly hope so too,” Miella said earnestly before turning to leave. She headed back toward the warlocks. It seemed the light-repelling bracelet wasn’t the only new magic item she had created, as she busily moved from group to group, explaining her new creations.

***

Lucion sat down on the sandy beach, gazing at the sea. It seemed the ship was preparing to set sail, as the crew was untying the ropes connecting it to the dock.

Ratta poked her face out, eyes wide as she stared at the starry water.

–Woo-hoo! There are stars on the water! Ratta wants to grab them!

“Everyone seems busy.”

Lucion chuckled and caught Ratta just as she was about to leap into the sea.

“Zamad is working on the new lightweight armor. J.L. is occupied with setting up the new branch and negotiating with Nevast. Heroan hasn’t contacted us because he’s too busy investigating Nevast’s activities. Somehow, I feel like I’m the only one with free time.”

[Don’t fool yourself. You’ve been the busiest. Just when I thought you could finally rest, here you are again,] Russell retorted.

“That’s a fair point,” Hume chimed in, nodding repeatedly.

[How about taking a moment to breathe?]

At Bethel’s suggestion, Lucion nodded and turned his gaze toward the calm sea.

Suddenly, both he and Hume turned around simultaneously.

Bethel’s eyes widened. While Hume had sensed the presence sharply, Lucion hadn’t.

Ratta, unable to retreat into Lucion’s shadow, panicked and burrowed into his cloak instead.

–Ratta is camouflaging now. Ratta’s fur is black!

“This is the first time I’ve seen you so relaxed, Mr. Hamel,” Quate said as he approached. He looked surprised that Lucion had sensed him but smiled nonetheless.

“I can relax when the situation allows,” Lucion replied with a small grin as Quate sat beside him.

“I’ve never seen it before, but it suits you.”

“You think so? It feels like I’m the only one taking it easy.”

“That’s why it’s a good thing. I thought now would be the best time to approach you, while things are quiet. By the way, are you okay? It seemed like your injuries were serious.”

“…?”

Lucion blinked in surprise. Quate shouldn’t have known about his injuries.

Quate pointed to his nose and said, “I can smell the medicine. My sense of smell is pretty sharp–it’s part of my job.”

“In that case, perhaps you can use that sharp nose of yours to make sure the priests don’t try anything suspicious. If they do, handle them accordingly.”

“Don’t worry. The moment they try something, I’ll deal with it.” Quate waved his hand nonchalantly.

“You worked hard during the Magic Tower incident. Next time, leave it to us.”

“The opponent was a warlock, so the damage was minimized. I’ll try to avoid such a scenario in the future.”

“To be honest, many people want to step in for you now. They feel disheartened after this incident and want to repay you.”

“Disheartened? Why?”

“Because we couldn’t repay the debt we owe you. We’ve received so much, yet we’ve done nothing in return. You’ll probably dismiss this, but I wanted you to know.”

[They’ve figured you out now. Let me guess–you’re thinking, ‘That’s true, but why are they making such a big deal about it?’]

Russell tapped his forehead lightly, clearly amused. Lucion, unable to argue, stayed silent.

“Ah.”

Lucion noticed a curse lingering on Quate. Why stick to traditional methods when he could resolve it himself?

“Don’t move or be alarmed–stay still for a moment.”

Lucion used the violet darkness to destroy the curse on Quate.

Crack.

“There. The curse is gone. You can rest easy now.”

“…”

Quate looked at Lucion, his surprise evident.

Though Lucion’s darkness had changed color, Quate didn’t comment. The mask Lucion wore served as a clear request not to ask questions.

“Mr. Hamel’s darkness… How should I describe it? It feels very gentle. It’s quite similar to you.”

Quate knew Hamel’s weakness–he was susceptible to compliments.

As expected, Lucion began to fidget, unable to formulate a proper response. Amused by the sight, Quate stood up, clearly satisfied.

“Well, I suppose I should be going now.”

“Be careful. Don’t die.”

“You’re the one who should be careful, Mr. Hamel. And I mean that sincerely.”

This time, Quate’s expression turned serious.

“It’s ironic, but having spilled so much blood, I’ve become very attuned to the presence of death. I can often smell it on those nearing their end. That scent… it’s always lingering around you, Mr. Hamel. That’s why I worry.”

–Hooop…!

Ratta flinched, causing Lucion’s cloak to stir.

The red threads. Quate couldn’t see them, but could he somehow smell their presence?

Lucion didn’t react outwardly–he wasn’t surprised. Death had always been a constant shadow in his life.

“Don’t mention this to anyone else.”

“I wouldn’t dare. How could I possibly say something like that?”

Quate trailed off, swallowing his remaining words.

At first, many had opposed the fact that Hamel was a warlock, but after seeing his actions, everyone’s opinions had completely changed.

Who could despise a man who worked so tirelessly for others? These days, the name ‘Hamel’ inspired trust and a desire to stand by him. For those people, hearing what Quate had just said would feel like utter despair.

Quate bowed deeply to Lucion before turning and heading toward the ship.

–Lucion… Was Quate’s comment just a joke? I hope it was a joke.

Ratta peeked out from the cloak, her voice tinged with worry.

“Don’t worry, Ratta. It won’t happen,” Lucion reassured her, gently patting her head. His gaze shifted to the ship sailing off toward the Sea of Death.