“I’m afraid it’s another trivial land dispute, as usual,” Agnes said, rubbing her temples. “The fools always act out when Aquarias arrives. I can never sleep in peace this time of year. Monsters and humans alike tend to run amok like bears that just woke up from hibernation.”
Maxi’s heart sank. It was customary for knights to spend most of their lives engaged in war. The knights of Croyso had also headed into battle around this time under her father’s orders.
Maxi deliberately tried to sound indifferent to hide her agitation. “Then I suppose Riftan…will be c-called to action soon.”
“If a dispute big enough to warrant the RemdragonKnights’ intervention arises, then yes, he probably will be,” Agnes answered cheerfully, checking the luggage tied to her horse’s saddle.
Maxi pretended to go through the ledger again to hide her ashen face. Distress clouded her thoughts, and her eyes glazed over, failing to register any of the numbers. A sharp sense of loss wormed its way into her heart.
The princess’s calm voice cut through her anxiety. “Perhaps you might accompany him if that were to happen.”
Her head snapped up. “M-Me?”
“Aren’t you a mage, Maximilian?” Agnes cocked her head as if she did not understand why Maxi was so surprised. “If there were a situation that required Riftan to step in, don’t you think we would need healers as well? There is an abundance of problems in this world but not enough mages to solve them. We would likely require your assistance, too.”
“Th-That is impossible, Princess Agnes. I h-have only recently started…to learn magic…and my m-mana is so meager…that I f-fainted after healing a few people.”
“Your reserves will grow if you continue to use magic.” Agnes furrowed her brow, clearly displeased with Maxi’s timid answer. “The knights tell me that you have only recently learned healing magic. I am certain that you have great potential.”
“Y-You think too highly of me, Your Highness. Healing…is the only magic I can cast properly. Ruth has taught me o-other spells…but I have f-failed to make any progress.”
“There are mages who show an affinity for only one specific type of magic. You might simply be strongly suited for healing. If you are able to treat that many people in a realbattle after just a month or two of learning, imagine what wonders you could work with a few years of practice.” Agnes was so confident that Maxi wondered for the first time if she really might be that exceptional. “God gave you this gift. Do not waste it.”
Lost for words, Maxi stared into the princess’s blue eyes. She had lived as a stammering fool for twenty-two years. Despite all her best efforts, she had lost count of how many times she had fallen short in everything that she did. And yet, here was this great sorceress who had traveled the continent telling her that she had talent.
Maxi searched the princess’s eyes for any signs of pity but found none. Agnes’s expression was gentle, and her eyes shone with sincerity. Maxi barely managed to muster her voice. “I shall…do my best, Your Highness.”
“I’m sure you can do it, Maximilian.”
With a smile, Agnes patted Maxi on the shoulder before walking away to check on the rest of the preparations. Maxi discreetly touched her shoulder where the princess’s firm hand had been.
You can do it.
That simple sentiment caused a ripple in her heart.
—
When all the preparationswere finished, they held a small farewell banquet in the dining hall. The food was too modest for it to be considered a true banquet, but the guests enjoyed the humble fare without complaint. Riftan and the Remdragon Knights attended to wish them a safe trip, and once the short meal was over, the guests immediately went outside. They mounted their horses without further delay, asit would not do to spend the night in the mountains.
“I thank you for your hospitality!” Agnes called from atop her chestnut stallion.
Maxi smiled up at the princess. “I am…ashamed that I have not been…the best of hosts.”
“Spare me such rigid formalities, Maximilian.” Agnes grinned before wheeling her horse around to check if everything was ready for their departure. Three wagons laden with luggage were lined up before the wide-open gates, flanked by knights waiting for the princess’s order. Members of the Remdragon Knights were among them, as Riftan had asked six of his knights to accompany the caravan to provide safe passage through the Anatolium Mountains. After surveying the procession, the princess turned her head once more to look at the people who had come to see them off. “Well then, I suppose we should really get going now.”
Scratching his head, Hebaron let out a hearty laugh. “You came in like a hurricane, and now you depart like lightning. Are you not happy unless you leave those around you winded?”
“You know how much I loathe tarrying.”
“It certainly is difficult to find people more impatient than you,” muttered Riftan, who stood at the front with his arms crossed.
Agnes snorted. “You are the last person in the world who can call me impatient, Sir Riftan. Compared to you, I have the patience of a saint.”
Riftan scowled, not backing down. “Let me remind you that I have patiently suffered through your persistent propositions and threats for the past few weeks without even raising my voice.”
“Without raising your voice, you say?” the princessretorted, her voice playfully incredulous.
Maxi was flustered. Her gaze swiveled back and forth between Riftan and Agnes, and even the knights surrounding them shook their heads in exasperation.
